California Ag Network

Tag: California Avocado Commission

  • AG Labor And Workforce Reform Update

    California Avocado Commission — Since 2019, the California Avocado Commission has worked with Congressional members, the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform and other agricultural leaders and organizations to voice support for the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The FWMA House bill was passed with bipartisan support in November 2019 and again in March 2021. During the summer of 2021, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) led discussions concerning a Senate version of the FMWA. Those discussions were paused as the Senate engaged in efforts to pass the legislation via the budget reconciliation process. By the end of 2021, the Senate’s efforts to move “immigration via reconciliation” forward were rejected three times by the Senate parliamentarian. Further, the Build Back Better Act, which allocated funds for immigration reform and protections for farm workers, faltered after Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced he could not support the BBB Act.

    Currently, the fate of BBB is uncertain and its unclear whether new versions of the Act will contain significant immigration reform. Observers note the most likely path forward for meaningful immigration reform may be a bipartisan agreement on a package that can secure the 60+ votes needed to pass in the Senate.

    While agriculture reforms remain a fairly popular component of a potential package and Senators Crapo and Bennet are interesting in furthering dialogue concerning a Senate version of FWMA, members of the Hill have noted they “aren’t hearing much from our constituents on the ag labor situation.” This year the agriculture industry faces pending H-2A wage rule changes that will not be favorable for growers, a potential jump in Adverse Effect Wage Rates due to the labor market and supply chain challenges, and continued challenges in securing a reliable workforce. In light of this, members of the agriculture industry are encourage to redouble their efforts to communicate with their elected leaders, especially their U.S. Senators, concerning the labor force challenges they face and the urgent need for action on reform.

  • CA Avocado Commission State of the Industry Report Available

    To provide the California Avocado Commission (CAC) and the growers it serves with a better perspective on the health of the California avocado industry, CAC retained the Tootelian Company to conduct a member survey. Summary findings from the report are now available on the California avocado grower website.

    The survey was sent to all CAC members in August 2021. The 77-page report includes detailed findings concerning:

    • Farm acreage
    • Pounds harvested and crop values by district and acreage
    • Overall farm income, expenses and net margin
    • Farm income, expenses and net margin by district and acreage
    • Water sources
    • Overall irrigation costs
    • Irrigation costs by water source, district and acreage
    • Perceived threats to future profitability

    Highlights from the survey are as follows:

    • Across all districts, bearing acres comprised about 80% of total acres.
    • From 2018 – 2020, the average number of pounds harvested per bearing acre declined at a rate of -2.4% per year.
    • During this same time frame, the average crop value per bearing acre rose at a rate of 0.8% per year. When examined by the acreage of the operation, the annual growth rates in crop values per bearing acre (2018-2020) were 6.7% for farms with 10 acres or less, 2.3% for farms with 11 – 50 acres and -1.4% for those with 51 acres or more.
    • The three-year average for total expenses as a percent of gross income was 93.7% with an average net margin of 6.3%.
    • Average gross income was 2.7% per year with expenses growing at a 4.4% rate annually.
    • Respondents indicated they did not change their water sources much from 2018 – 2020 with District 1 and District 2 relying primarily on water agencies, District 4 utilizing mutual water companies and Districts 3 and 5 relying mainly on wells/surface water on the property.
    • Overall irrigation costs per dollar of crop value dropped from 18.9% in 2018 to 15.9% in 2020, with irrigation costs as a percent of total expenses dropping from 20.2% in 2018 to 15.3% in 2020.
    • The highest average irrigation costs per acre in 2020 were associated with mutual water companies ($1,389/acre) and water agencies ($1,157/acre) and lowest when growers combined well/surface water with water agencies ($698/acre) and wells/surface water with mutual water companies ($555/acre).
    • Respondents indicated the most serious threats to future profitability are water costs, costs of complying with government regulations and labor costs.
    • Other factors identified as threats to profitability included availability of water, imported avocados and environmental regulations.

    Findings from the survey will be used to help the Commission explore potential opportunities to address growers’ most pressing challenges.

  • California Avocado Growers Encouraged To Vote In CAC General Election

    The deadline to vote in the California Avocado Commission General Election is fast approaching — October 27, 2021. Election ballots were mailed to commercial producers and all handlers of record in late September and must be returned to the California Department of Food and Agriculture in the postage paid envelope by the deadline. The results of the election will be announced on November 18.

    The elections will be for one producer member seat and one producer alternate seat in each of the five CAC districts, as well as one handler member seat and one handler alternate seat. A complete list of candidates can be found on the CAC General Election 2021 webpage.

    The 2021 General Election ballots will again use the ranked voting method, allowing voters to rank candidates in order of their preference. The candidate who receives the highest number of first choice votes will be offered their choice of available seats while the candidate with the highest combined total of first and second choice votes will then be offered the available seat.

    California avocado growers are highly encouraged to take part in the 2021 General Election. Please contact April Aymami at aaymami@avocado.org or 949.341.1955 if you did not receive a ballot.

  • California Avocado Commission Launches Sustainability Webpage

    The California Avocado Commission has launched a webpage to showcase the sustainability practices of California avocado growers. The information illustrates how California avocado growers are good stewards of the land as well as contributing members of their communities. The Commission’s consumer website, CaliforniaAvocado.com, now includes a section called “California Avocado Sustainability” where website visitors can learn about the four pillars of California avocado sustainability: environmentally friendly farming, worker well-being, healthy communities and economic viability.

    The website explains that California avocado growers farm under robust federal and state requirements and follow Good Agricultural Practices and the Food Safety Modernization Act. It highlights that tilling is not used in California avocado production and that California avocado farmers help to generate healthy soils. Regenerative agriculture practices that are already part of what California avocado growers do are noted as well.

    In the worker well-being section several California laws and regulations that set the state apart both from other states and other countries are noted building awareness that workers in the California avocado industry are treated well. The healthy communities section showcases both the physical benefits of avocado groves in a community as well as the contributions by California growers who participate in making their communities better.

    Economic viability is a key part of sustainability. Clearly, if California avocado growers can’t survive financially then the business cannot be sustained. This pillar of the sustainability initiative puts a spotlight on the economic value of the California avocado industry and encourages purchasers to support their communities and choose locally grown when available.

    One of the ways of communicating this sustainability information and making it more relatable to key purchasers, is by tying it back to California avocado grower stories. If you have a story you would like to share about your environmentally friendly growing practices, the well-being of your employees or your involvement in your community, please contact Ken Melban at kmelban@avocado.org.

  • National Weather Service Issues Excessive Heat and Elevated Wildfire Danger Warnings

    California Avocado Commission — The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat and elevated wildfire risk warnings in California this week beginning Tuesday, July 6 through Sunday, July 11. The conditions will pose a high risk for heat-related illnesses with possible record temperatures for the Antelope Valley area of Southern CA and brief critical fire weather conditions for the interior region. There also is a slight change of monsoonal thunderstorms and dry lightning from Wednesday through Sunday in the interior regions of Southern CA, most notably the mountain and desert areas.

    From Tuesday, July 6 through Thursday, July 8, the NWS notes there will be widespread highs of 95˚F – 105˚F in the inland valleys, mountains and deserts with warm overnight lows (about 70˚F) in the foothills and deserts. These conditions will pose a high risk of heat-related illnesses for those who work outdoors. During this same timeframe, humidities will lower to 5% – 15% and winds may gust from 25 – 45 mph during the afternoon and evening. The strongest gusts are predicted for the Antelope Valley and Santa Ynez Range. These high winds, low humidities and abnormally dry fuels will lead to elevated critical fire weather conditions over the mountains and interior valleys.

    From Friday, July 9 through Sunday, July 11, NSW predicts very hot conditions with temperatures ranging between 105˚F – 112˚F in the interior areas and Antelope Valley. Overnight lows will be in the mid to upper 70s in the deserts. Low humidities (5% – 15%) and gusty winds will continue the brief critical fire conditions in the mountains, deserts and inland valleys of this region.

    Employers should take special precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses from occurring. It’s important to provide ample water, provide shade and frequent rest breaks, and ensure supervisors and employees are aware of heat illness symptoms and those that require immediate medical attention. For more information, read “Reduce heat illness risk for employees” on the California avocado growers website.

    To ensure California avocados maintain their superior quality it is imperative growers manage their trees and harvest their fruit according to best management practices as outlined below.

    IRRIGATION
    Growers should be irrigating their trees now, in advance of the heat, to ensure their trees are fully hydrated. It is recommended that an additional 50% of the budgeted amount of water be applied the day before a heat wave. For extended heat waves, daily pulses of irrigation are recommended to maintain the trees’ water status. A well-watered tree will tolerate the stress of a heat wave much better than a tree that is suffering from water stress. Signs of heat damage to trees include fruit drop, shoot damage, leaf burn and in severe cases leaf drop.

    HARVESTING

    Every attempt should be made to harvest fruit when temperatures are below 90 °F, and no harvesting should take place when temperatures exceed 95 °F. Temperature in the shade should be monitored during harvesting and, when possible, harvesting crews should be moved to the coolest, least exposed areas of the grove.

    Field bins should be placed under the trees while being filled to protect the harvested fruit from sunburn. Once filled, bins should be moved to a shade structure (open-sided roofed building), or covered with bin covers or light-colored tarps if they cannot be immediately transported to the packinghouse. Never leave filled bins exposed to the direct sun. The surface layer of fruit can easily heat up to more than 15 °F above ambient temperature when exposed to direct sun. Acute sunburn will only show on fruit after it is packed and is a major quality detractor.

    To avoid water loss and decreased fruit quality do not hold fruit too long after harvest. Transport fruit to the packinghouse at least once per day, if not twice daily. Bins should not be left in the grove for more than 8 hours after harvest. Cover bins during transport to avoid sunburn and to reduce water loss.

    For more information about managing heat in avocado groves, growers can view the following articles on the California avocado growers’ website:

  • Excessive Heat, High Winds and Fire Weather Warnings Issued in Southern CA

    California Avocado Commission — The National Weather Service has issued warnings concerning an extended period of excessive heat, gusty winds and critical fire weather conditions beginning Monday, June 14 and lasting throughout the entire next week for the Los Angeles/Oxnard region.

    Beginning Monday, the region will experience higher temperatures and gusty winds, peaking Tuesday through Friday, June 18. The combination of extended high temperatures — in the triple digits — warm overnight temperatures, low humidity, abnormally dry fuels and Sundowner winds will create critical fire conditions during this time period. The Sundowner winds in Santa Barbara County and north winds along the I-5 corridor and the canyons and hills of the Santa Ynez Range and Santa Clarita Valley could create gusts in the 30 – 50 mph range. Driving conditions also could become hazardous due to downed branches or power lines.

    The highest temperatures will occur Tuesday through Friday with highs between 98˚F – 108˚F in the valleys and mountains. Overnight lows will be between 65˚F– 75˚F. Humidities will range from 8 – 15%.

    These conditions will post a high risk for heat-related illnesses for those working outdoors.

    For more information on how to avoid these risks, view “Reduce Heat Illness for Employees” on the California avocado growers’ website.

    To ensure California avocados maintain their superior quality it is imperative growers manage their trees and harvest their fruit according to best management practices as outlined below.

    IRRIGATION

    Growers should be irrigating their trees now, in advance of the heat, to ensure their trees are fully hydrated. It is recommended that an additional 50% of the budgeted amount of water be applied the day before a heat wave. For extended heat waves, daily pulses of irrigation are recommended to maintain the trees’ water status. A well-watered tree will tolerate the stress of a heat wave much better than a tree that is suffering from water stress. Signs of heat damage to trees include fruit drop, shoot damage, leaf burn and in severe cases leaf drop.

    HARVESTING

    Every attempt should be made to harvest fruit when temperatures are below 90 °F, and no harvesting should take place when temperatures exceed 95 °F. Temperature in the shade should be monitored during harvesting and, when possible, harvesting crews should be moved to the coolest, least exposed areas of the grove.

    Field bins should be placed under the trees while being filled to protect the harvested fruit from sunburn. Once filled, bins should be moved to a shade structure (open-sided roofed building), or covered with bin covers or light-colored tarps if they cannot be immediately transported to the packinghouse. Never leave filled bins exposed to the direct sun. The surface layer of fruit can easily heat up to more than 15 °F above ambient temperature when exposed to direct sun. Acute sunburn will only show on fruit after it is packed and is a major quality detractor.

    To avoid water loss and decreased fruit quality do not hold fruit too long after harvest. Transport fruit to the packinghouse at least once per day, if not twice daily. Bins should not be left in the grove for more than 8 hours after harvest. Cover bins during transport to avoid sunburn and to reduce water loss.

    For more information about managing heat in avocado groves, growers can view the following articles on the California avocado growers’ website:

    •    Managing Heat in California Avocado Groves
    •    Managing Avocado Heat Damage
    •    Best Practices for California Avocado Groves Impacted by Excessive Heat

  • Early Season Retail Promotions Build Demand For California Avocados

    California Avocado Commission — Early demand for California avocados is high this year among targeted retailers, with both national chains and regional retailers indicating they are anxious for the start of the California avocado season. In past years, the season kicked off with “first of the season” Big Game or Valentine’s Day promotions at local specialty retailers. This year, due to market and harvest conditions, the early-season promotions at loyal retailer partners’ locations are instead focusing attention on spring and Easter.

    Both Gelson’s and Mollie Stone’s responded positively to the California Avocado Commission’s spring and Easter promotional plans, which include a combination of in-store display and sales contests partnered with robust online, social media and digital advertising campaigns. The Commission’s integrated promotional plans recognize that due to COVID-19 safety protocols retailers remain cautious about in-store promotions, such as demos, and that online marketing continues to play a primary role in marketing California avocados this season. Display and sales contests, which elevate in-store merchandising to draw attention to the fruit, also are important tactics in CAC customized retail programs.

    Gelson’s “Spring Into California Avocados” promotion ran from February 15 – 25. The upscale retailer hosted display and sales contests at its 27 Southern California locations, ensuring early season California avocados were front-and-center to announce the start of the long-anticipated season. Mollie Stone’s Easter promotion runs from March 22 – April 4, and includes sales and display contests at the retailer’s nine locations throughout the San Francisco Bay area. Both retail chains feature Commission display bins and signage.

    For both retailers, the in-store contests are complemented by value-added social media promotions created by the Commission. Posts on the retailers’ social media platforms showcase California avocado centric recipes, photos and messaging that celebrates the availability of fresh California avocados as we swing into spring. The social posts play a critical role in expanding the reach of the Commission’s messaging, promoting the fruit’s versatility in meals and snacks, touting California avocados’ nutritional qualities and showcasing the premium character of this locally grown fruit.

  • Yellow Leaves In Spring Indicative Of Need To Adjust Nutrient Management

    California Avocado Commission — In spring, as California avocado trees begin to bloom, growers often report seeing yellow leaves at the ends of branches of otherwise healthy trees. Dr. Danny Klittich, of Redox, recently posted an online article about the yellowing of leaves in spring, what this indicates, and what growers can do to remedy the situation.

    When avocado trees begin producing flowers, the blooms become major sinks for nutrients — gathering the nutrients they need to set and retain fruit. The timing of fruit development also coincides with the cooler months of the California avocado growing season, when growers tend to fertilize less and the soils, adapting to cooler temperatures, tend to provide less nutrition to the trees. Thus, trees begin to reallocate nutrients from the roots and leaves to the more important task of developing blooms for fruit set. With nutrients reallocated, leaves on the ends of branches may begin to yellow.

    According to research, nitrogen, zinc and iron leaf concentrations were lower in chlorotic (yellow) leaves. This makes sense when you consider the importance of each of these to bloom and fruit development. In general, Dr. Klittich recommends that trees should yield a fall tissue sample of 2.5 – 2.7% nitrogen for higher yields. This level provides the tree with an adequate reservoir for bloom development.

    Dr. Klittich recommends growers complete the following to improve yield potential.

    • Early bud development — During cauliflower bloom and floral elongation, apply nitrogen, zinc, iron, boron and calcium.
    • Bloom spray — Nutrient applications should provide calcium, zinc, iron and amino acids and can be made from cauliflower stage through full bloom
    • Fruit set — Weekly applications should be designed to support fruit set and development

    To view Dr. Klittich’s specific product and dosage recommendations, as well as an informative video concerning avocado bloom strategies, visit his latest online article.

  • Preventing & Managing Wind Damage In CA Avocado Groves

    California Avocado Commission — When it comes to potential wind damage, California avocado growers typically face two different scenarios: chronic wind exposure or severe wind events.

    Avocado trees housed in windy portions of a grove are often stunted and underperform production wise.  They also may be water stressed, which will impact the uptake of minerals, and their roots may be stressed due to consistent rocking caused by the wind. The only remedy, in these cases, is to create a wind shelter that minimizes wind exposure.

    In windy groves, fruit often will exhibit markings that can be mistaken for diseases or pest damage. For example, black marks caused by wind may be mistaken for anthracnose post harvest rot or russet scars may lead growers to suspect their trees have persea thrips damage. While some superficial wind damage may not affect the quality of the fruit – particularly if that damage occurs when the fruit is young – some wind damage can lead to large scars or “alligator skin” that are more impactful to fruit quality.

    Severe wind events often blow avocado trees over. In these instances, unless the tree is very young, consider removing the tree. Attempting to move the tree back into an upright position can further damage the roots. If the fallen trees looks like it will recover, it can remain where it is. New shoots may emerge from the trunk and form the structure for a new tree. If this occurs, large, old branches can be removed later as the new portion of the tree takes shape. If you do remove the tree, avoid planting a new tree close to where the old tree existed unless you remove the stump and sterilize the soil. The roots from the old tree could become infected by Phytophthora root rot and thus infect a new tree.

    Strong wind events also can break limbs or blow fruit off the trees. After a storm, windfall should be properly disposed of and broken branches removed.  It is important to monitor trees after severe storms, paying close attention to signs of wilting that may indicate stressed roots or a broken branch that was missed during earlier assessments.

    For more information about preventing and managing wind damage, visit the California Avocado Commission’s wind protection online library.

  • 2020 CA Avocado Acreage & Condition Report

    To ensure the California Avocado Commission can make informed marketing and budgeting decisions, it has partnered with LandIQ to conduct statewide spatial land use surveys via digital satellite imagery, aerial photography and analytical tools. This data is compiled in a comprehensive land use database and an annual summary is prepared. The 2020 Statewide Avocado Acreage and Conditional Analysis is now available online.

    Highlights from this year’s survey are as follows:

    • Planted avocado acreage in the state totaled 54,017
    • The planted avocado acreage for avocado growing counties is as follows:
      • Riverside — 5,046
      • Santa Barbara — 6,741
      • San Diego — 16,488
      • San Luis Obispo — 4,043
      • Ventura — 19,754
      • Minor county total (Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange, San Bernardino, Tulare) — 1,945
    • As concerns the growing regions, their acreage is divided as follows:
    • The report also has tables detailing acreage by zip code, new acres by county and planting year, a breakdown of avocado acreage by planting density (high density versus standard), the net change in producing/young/stumped acreage by county, and various maps noting the acreages of avocados planted.
    • The age of planted acreage breaks down as follows:
      • Planting to 4 years — 4,417 acres (8%)
      • 5 – 8 years — 9,289 acres (17%)
      • 9 – 15 years — 7,717 acres (14%)
      • 16 – 20 years — 8,989 acres (17%)
      • 21 years + — 23,604 acres (44%)